Elastic top sheet for a mattress

ABSTRACT

A top sheet having elastic around the foot end would be retained at the foot end beneath the mattress despite movement by the sleeper or sleepers, and would ensure that the sleeper&#39;s or sleepers&#39; feet do not come uncovered.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/833,988, filed Jun. 12, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to bed sheets and in particular to an elastic top sheet for a mattress. When a bed is made, and the top sheet is tucked under the foot of the mattress, it is frequently pulled out accidentally during use. Many sleepers roll over or move around frequently during sleep, or arise from bed for various reasons, causing the top sheet to be pulled out from under the mattress, causing cold feet and discomfort to themselves and any sleep partners. An elastic top sheet for a mattress, with an elastic band cinching the foot end of the sheet much like a fitted sheet, would resolve this problem. An elastic top sheet would be useful for restless sleepers and spouses, children making their beds, as well as the elderly, handicapped, and staff members at hotels, motels, and long-term care facilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention is directed to a top sheet having elastic around the foot end. The elastic end would be retained beneath the mattress despite movement by the sleeper or sleepers, and would ensure that the sleeper's or sleepers' feet do not come uncovered.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a top view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the top sheet 10, the elastic end 11, and the elastic side bands 12.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the first exemplary embodiment placed on a mattress, displaying the top sheet 10, the elastic end 11, the elastic side bands 12, the sleeper 13, and the mattress 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to a top sheet 10 having internally sewn elastic around the foot end in the manner of a standard fitted sheet. The foot end is understood as one of the two narrower edges of the sheet, and not the opposite edge. The elastic end 11 would be retained beneath the mattress 14, despite movement by the sleeper or sleepers 13, and would ensure that the feet of the sleeper or sleepers 13 do not come uncovered.

The top sheet 10 would preferably feature a plurality of additional elastic side bands 12, also internally sewn in the manner of a standard fitted sheet, to retain the top sheet 10 in the proper position. The elastic side bands would each stretch over a short portion of the length of the long edges of the top sheet 10, such that each long edge may contain several side bands 12. The top sheet 10 would be made available in all standard sizes, including twin size, full size, queen size, king size and California king size. The top sheet 10 would be made available in a variety of patterns and colors, individually and as a part of linen sets that include fitted sheets and pillowcases. Top sheets 10 would also be made available in bulk packages of ten or twenty top sheets 10, for discounted purchases by institutions such as hotels, nursing homes, hospitals, children's homes, hotels, motels, and children's summer camps.

To use the invention, the user tucks the elastic end 11 under the foot of the mattress 14, and then finishes making the bed as usual; the sleeper or sleepers 13 may then sleep in the bed with the top sheet 10 secured about them. The top sheet 10 would preferably be manufactured from soft, durable fabrics that are easily cleaned, such as cotton, cotton-rayon blend, or cotton-polyester blend. Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A fitted top sheet comprising a top sheet, said fitted top sheet having internally sewn elastic at a foot end; said top sheet having a plurality of internally sewn side bands 12; each of said plurality of internally sewn side bands 12 being short in length and spaced along the long edges of said fitted top sheet.
 2. A method of using the fitted top sheet of claim 1 comprising tucking said foot end beneath a mattress, making the bed about said mattress, and having at least one sleeper sleep under said fitted top sheet such that said top sheet is secured about said at least one sleeper.
 3. A method of selling and promoting the fitted top sheet of claim 1 comprising providing said top sheet in standard bed sizes.
 4. A method of selling and promoting the fitted top sheet of claim 1 comprising providing said top sheet decorated in colors and patterns.
 5. A method of selling and promoting the fitted top sheet of claim 1 comprising providing said top sheet as part of a linen set.
 6. A method of selling and promoting the fitted top sheet of claim 1 comprising providing said top sheet in bulk packages. 